Social Science (087) — CBSE Class 10 board question

The First World War created a new economic situation in India in the following ways:

1. Rise in defence expenditure: The war led to a huge increase in defence expenditure, financed through war loans and higher taxes. Customs duties were raised and income tax was introduced.

1. Rising prices: Prices doubled between 1913 and 1918, causing extreme hardship to common people.

1. Forced recruitment: Villages were forced to supply soldiers, causing widespread anger in rural areas.

1. Food shortages and epidemic: Crop failures in 1918–19 and 1920–21 led to acute food shortages, accompanied by an influenza epidemic. Around 12–13 million people perished due to famines and the epidemic.

Source: The First World War, Khilafat and Non-Cooperation, Chapter 2

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• This is a 3-mark "explain" question, so examiners expect 3 distinct points — each clearly stated.
• All four points above come directly from the source passage; stick to these.
• Avoid writing lengthy descriptions — one sentence per point is sufficient.
• Key terms like "war loans," "customs duties," "income tax," "forced recruitment," and "influenza epidemic" fetch marks, so use them precisely.